Part 141

_Inq._ “Jacques, though there have been wicked popes, cardinals, bishops, priests, and monks, there have, on the other hand, also been good ones; do you not know that the good grain is not without chaff? No, no, there are good grains and good pastors, though you do not know them.” _Jac._ “Show me then but a single upright pastor, such as I demanded of you, according to the Scriptures, and I will follow him.” _Inq._ “Though I should name them to you, you do not know them any way, and will not believe me; but even if it were true, namely, that they are wicked, yet they have the true faith.” _Jac._ “I hold to the testimony of Paul, that light has no communion with darkness.” 2 Cor. 6:14. _Inq._ “Do you mean to say then, that a man who commits evil works cannot have the true faith?” _Jac._ “If a man that has received knowledge, yield himself to the commission of wickedness, his faith will not last long, or will soon be darkened.” _Inq._ “Who has told you this?” _Jac._ “Paul writes to the Romans, that some held the truth in unrighteousness, since that which might be known of God, God had showed them; and though they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; wherefore God gave them up to the lusts of their hearts, filled with darkness.” Romans 1:18. _Inq._ “Paul speaks there of the philosophers, who turned to the heavens, stars, planets, etc., for guidance.” _Jac._ “That is all the same to me, of whom he speaks, philosophers or others; but Paul shows that through their works and ingratitude their hearts were filled with darkness. Moreover, he also says: ‘Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved,... for this cause God shall send them strong delusion;’ which also came to pass.” 2 Thess. 2:10,11. _Inq._ “Did not Judas Iscariot commit a wicked work in delivering up the Son of God?” _Jac._ “The Scripture says that it would have been better, if he had not been born.” Matt. 26:24. _Inq._ “Yet he had a true faith; what do you say to this?” _Jac._ “Had he a true faith before or afterwards?” _Inq._ “Before and also afterwards, though he was a thief.” _Jac._ “Though his heart was wicked, yet his walk was good, so that they did not dare think that it was he who should commit the deed, but all asked: ‘Is it I? is it I?’” Mark 14:19. _Inq._ “Look also at Demas, did he not have the true faith? Yet his heart was bound up in things of this world; nevertheless, Paul regarded him as a brother.” Col. 4:14. _Jac._ “It is true that Paul regarded him for a time as a brother and companion in the work of the Lord; but after he said that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world, and no longer calls him a brother or companion.” 2 Tim. 4:10. _Inq._ “That you do not know.” _Jac._ “The Scriptures say nothing about it.” _Inq._ “That proves nothing either way; you must believe that a sinful man can have the faith and the Gospel; do you think that we must therefore not hear him, and believe his word?” _Jac._ “My lord, wherein do you reprove Paul of sin, after he had received the knowledge of the truth?” _Inq._ “Is it not written: ‘He that saith that he hath no sin, maketh God a liar?’” 1 John 1:10. _Jac._ “True, but it is also written in the same epistle: ‘Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin because he is born of God.’ 1 John 3:9. And Paul said: ‘How shall we, that are dead to sin, live unto sin’” Rom. 6:2. _Inq._ “Paul there simply asks a question; but do you therefore think that he did not sin?” _Jac._ “You know that Paul said that Christ was living in him; did Christ then commit sin? Gal. 2:20. He also exhorts the Corinthians, to follow him, even as he had followed Christ, and calls God and men to witnesses, how holily and justly, and unblamably he had walked among them, 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Thess. 2:10. Of what sin then, my lord, will you accuse Paul?” _Inq._ “Nevertheless, he was a sinner; this you certainly cannot deny.” _Jac._ “I do not want to deny it; for he says himself, that he was the chief of sinners, blasphemers and persecutors while in unbelief, but not after he had received the knowledge [of the truth]. 1 Timothy 1:15. Well then; but what I ask you for, are pastors that are blameless in life, doctrine and conversation; for I well know that all men are born in sin; but he that abideth in sin, hath not known God.” Ps. 51:5; 1 John 3:6. _Inq._ “You must not thus understand the passage; for a sinful man does have knowledge of God.” _Jac._ “Yes, with the mouth, or it would not be true what the apostle Peter has said, that he that has not the fear of God, and brotherly and living love, is blind, and gropes with the hand for the way. Tit. 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:9. _Inq._ “No, he says that he is like the blind.” _Jac._ “My lord, with your permission, he says that such a blind man gropes for the way, which is a sign that he has not found it; now, shall I follow such people?” _Inq._ “Your Menno, is he so just, holy and blameless?” _Jac._ “I have not had sufficient intercourse with him, to find anything blamable in him.” _Inq._ “With whom then have you had your intercourse? can nothing be said of your teacher? is he unblamable?” _Jac._ “My lord, can you produce anything against him, or accuse him of anything?” _Inq._ “I do not know the rascal.” _Jac._ “Then do not defame him; for you would find it a difficult task to prove that he is what you call him.” _Inq._ “This would not be difficult for me to do; for he has seduced enough people to be called this.” _Jac._ “My lord, take care that you are not yourself one who seduces the people.” _Inq._ “Is he not a native of a certain village in Zealand?” He named the village, but I have forgotten it. _Jac._ “I do not know where he was born.” _Inq._ “What kind of a looking man was he? what sort of beard and clothes did he have?” _Jac._ “My lord, you are certainly inquiring very diligently for him; I think you would like to betray him; do you know no other way, my lord?” _Inq._ “I wish him no harm.” _Jac._ “I hear that you say so; nevertheless, you would like to have him here in my place, would you not, my lord?” _Inq._ “Yes, if he would become converted.” _Jac._ “And if he would not be converted to your views, would you not place him to the stake?” _Inq._ “I should leave this to the Judge.” _Jac._ “Well, would you not then wish him harm? would you want to have this done to you?”

Perceiving that he could not answer me, and that two or three persons were listening at the door, besides the jailer, who is always with the prisoners, he commenced to give me a long talk, saying that I must not inquire so deeply into the Scriptures, but suffer myself to be instructed by those more learned than I, and that I must believe that a sinful man, of wicked life could have the faith as well as another, and that I must hear his words, but not do after his works. _Jac._ “Must I believe this by the Scriptures, or without the Scriptures?” _Inq._ “I have proven it to you by the Scriptures.” _Jac._ “By what Scriptures?” _Inq._ “By the cases of Judas and Demas, who had faith, and yet were wicked of life.” _Jac._ “My lord, it appears to me that our words are mere child’s play; have I not replied to this, and proven to you, that it becomes us not to take those who have apostatized from the faith for leaders and pastors?” _Inq._ “Where do you expect to find blameless pastors such as you demand? do you not see that the world is full of knavery?” _Jac._ “If you do not know any, I know some, and such I will follow.” _Inq._ “Where are they?” _Jac._ “They are unknown to you; do you not know that when the prophet thought that all the righteous in Israel had been slain by Ahab and Jezebel, the Lord said that there were seven thousand left yet, who had not bowed their knees unto the idol Baal.” 1 Kings 19:10. _Inq._ “It was because of the persecution raging at that time, that they were so scattered.” _Jac._ “Thus it is yet at the present day on account of persecution, that they are scattered, and unknown to the world. _Inq._ “But must you for a Menno, or any other single individual, who seem to lead a good life, must you therefore follow him, and forsake all the other bishops and pastors, who do not walk just as uprightly?” _Jac._ “My lord, do you think that if Ahab, the King of Israel had forsaken the counsel of the four hundred prophets, and followed the single advice of poor Micaiah, he would have done amiss?” _Inq._ “Certainly not; for Micaiah was a prophet of God.” _Jac._ “Did not the others say that they were too? and did they not smite poor Micaiah on the cheek, because he prophesied against them, and say to him: ‘Do you think that the Spirit of God has departed from us?’” _Inq._ “They boasted of the Holy Spirit, but falsely; for they did not have him?” _Jac._ “Ahab did not know that; for because Micaiah had alone prophesied against the four hundred prophets, the poor man of God was cast into prison on scanty bread and water, till Ahab should return from the battle at Ramoth-gilead; but he found that the counsel of the four hundred prophets cost him his life, as Micaiah had foretold him.” _Inq._ “The events recorded in these passages occurred in former times.” _Jac._ “Paul says that all was written for our learning; and the same things still happen at the present day.” Rom, 15:4. _Inq._ “Well then, then you will not hear or follow any pastors, except they practice what they teach?” _Jac._ “No; for it is written: ‘The light of the body is the eye; if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.’” Matt. 6:22. _Inq._ “Then you will not follow the advice of Jesus Christ, namely, to do after their words, and not after their works.” _Jac._ “To whom does he say this?” _Inq._ “To his disciples.” _Jac._ “Of whom does he say it?” _Inq._ “Jesus Christ says: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works.’” Matt. 23:1,2. _Jac._ “What kind of a seat was it, wooden or stone?” _Inq._ “It was the seat that was there.” _Jac._ “How could so many people sit in one seat? was it so large? or was it not the law Christ alluded to?” _Inq._ “It is the same thing, the law which they proclaimed.” _Jac._ “The law was a command of God, and not of men, and when Christ said this, he did not choose them to feed or lead his flock.” _Inq._ “When he said: Do after their words, and not after their works, did he not appoint them pastors?” _Jac._ “Have you not read what the Lord says: ‘Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ Matt. 5:20. Behold, here they are already excluded; how then shall they lead others?” _Inq._ “Do only after their words.” _Jac._ “Have you no other pastors among you, to proclaim the word of God, than such scribes and Pharisees, whom God has threatened with so many curses? Does not the prophet say: Blessed is the man that has not sat among the ungodly? Ps. 1:1. And Christ admonishes us to beware of their leaven.” Matt. 16:6. _Inq._ “You must not understand it thus, but believe that an ungodly man can indeed speak good things.” _Jac._ “It is written: ‘Praise is not seemly in the mouth of the ungodly, because they are not sent of God.’ Sir. 15:9. ‘And how shall they preach, except they be sent?’” Romans 10:15. _Inq._ “It is true, it is not seemly, but he does not say that it is not good.” _Jac._ “If it is not seemly, then it is not acceptable; for what repentance can an impenitent man proclaim? For, if a thief admonish his companion not to steal any more, will his word have any effect? will not his companion say: If it is wrong to do it, why do you do it yourself. Rom. 2:21. Ye hypocrites, cast out the beam out of your own eyes, and then shall you see clearly the dust in my eyes.” Matt. 7:5. _Inq._ “You pervert every Scripture into the contrary, according to your own notion and understanding; you must not build upon yourself so much, but subject your understanding to the understanding of those that are wiser than you are.” _Jac._ “My lord, I always speak, with your permission, that if anything better is proven to me, I will follow it.”

He arose and said: “It is time for me to go; see that you consider the matter well, and pray diligently to God.” _Jac._ “I know of nothing to consider, since you cannot prove to me anything different.” _Inq._ “What should I prove to you?” _Jac._ “I have asked you to show to me what pastors I must follow, and whether they are such as the Scriptures decree that they ought to be in life, doctrine and conversation.” _Inq._ “Follow those whom your parents followed.” Thereupon he left me.

Here I finished writing, because I was finally surprised by many persons and gainsayers.

This confession of Jacques was translated from the French into the Dutch.

* * * * *

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matt. 5:11,12.

HOW JACQUES D’AUCHY WAS BETRAYED, APPREHENDED, AND FELL INTO THE HANDS OF THE TYRANTS, AND WITH WHAT PUNISHMENT THE RIGHTEOUS GOD VISITED THIS TYRANT AND TRAITOR--A MEMORABLE AND INSTRUCTIVE EXAMPLE TO ALL TYRANTS AND TRAITORS.

There was a councilor at Harlingen, by the name of Mr. de Wael, who very diligently sought Jacques, addressed him in a friendly manner, and invited him to his house, saying that he had a letter for him. When Jacques arrived there, he cordially welcomed him, and urged him much to be his guest, seeming to be kindled with great love for old acquaintance’ sake. When he learned that Jacques could not stay, he, with friendly words, but the heart of a Judas, asked him to come again, and bring of his wares and work with him, ostensibly for the purpose of buying of him, Jacques being a peddler. In the meantime he secretly sent a messenger to Leeuwarden, to the council, for a commissary and a bailiff. When Jacques came again to him, he affably greeted him, sending in the meantime for the bailiff. When the latter arrived, the traitor malignantly said: “Apprehend him, behold, this is the man.” Thus they handled him with great severity, saying: “Hold still,” and searched him all over.

Then Jacques said: “O my lord, what have you done, that you have thus betrayed me, who trusted you with my life and all my property? Why do you seek my life, and thirst thus for my blood?” He replied: “Be content and suffer yourself to be bound: you must go with me to the prison.” He said he had to do this, to fulfill his oath, and read to Jacques his cruel, tyrannous mandate. He also made very strict inquiry for four other men. Jacques replied that he would not betray or deceive any one, but if he had aught against him, or had heard any one complain of him, he should tell him of it. The traitor replied that he had not heard anything of the kind, and that he was not apprehended on account of any crime, but simply because he had adhered to heresy; he, moreover, asked him whether he was not an Anabaptist. Jacques denied having adhered to heresy, and being an Anabaptist, saying that he had received but one baptism, according to the word of the Lord, upon his faith. When asked concerning the Roman church, Jacques replied that it was not of God. Upon this the traitor was seen to sigh deeply, his countenance simulating great sorrow as he said: “Oh! Jacques, must you fall into my hands?” Jacques replied: “My lord, I had placed confidence in you, on account of our old acquaintance, and because I had intercourse with you so long; but I will gladly and from my heart forgive you for this, and it is my earnest desire that the Lord may have mercy upon you.” He thanked Jacques for this favor, opining that in this he had not sinned before God, since he had to act according to his oath. Jacques said: “Do you consider this transaction right before God and men? the time will come when you will find it otherwise.” Wisdom 5:2. He then sent Jacques into the room and said to him: “You will be examined at Leeuwarden concerning your faith and doctrine.” While Jacques was imprisoned there, his wife came to him, upon which this friend of God was filled with great sorrow and anxiety, beholding her in such exceeding grief since she was also pregnant. The turnkey thrust her from him with great cruelty, but many of the bystanders most heartily wept with her, and entreated the turnkey, saying: “O let her go to him;” but it could not last long. Jacques said to her: “O my beloved, go home, and comfort yourself in the Lord; for I am imprisoned here for the word of God; and it will tend neither to your shame nor disgrace, since I have injured no one.” She said: “May the Lord strengthen you in the truth; for after this conflict there is prepared for you an eternal crown. O that I could die with you, and inherit that blissful life with you, then my heart would rejoice.” Jacques said: “O sister in the Lord, let not this grieve you, though I must go a little before you; it is the Lord’s will.” The turnkey could not bear this, but said: “Begone, quick!” Thereupon Jacques entreated him, saying: “O let us alone with God for a little while.” And thus these two dear lambs were separated, but hope to meet again at the resurrection of the just, where wailing and parting will be heard no more forever. Philip. 3:11; Rev. 7:17; 21:4; Is. 25:8.

Having, through the grace of God, undergone and endured manifold assaults, by way of numerous examinations and threats from the bloodthirsty, he died in great steadfastness for the testimony of Jesus. He was not put to death at the place of execution, but secretly murdered by night. Until quite recently trustworthy persons were still living, who early in the morning, after the night in the forepart of which he had been murdered, saw him in his leather clothes, lying dead in his blood. He now rests under the altar of Jesus, awaiting, with God’s chosen, a blessed resurrection and eternal life.

The abovementioned traitor, Mr. de Wael, was not long after this deed most severely smitten by God in punishment for his murderous treachery, in consequence of which he departed out of this world in a most awful manner, as a solemn and significant warning to all that are inclined to follow his example in this respect; for he was soon driven from Leeuwarden, with great reproach and ignominy from the common people, so that the boatman, who was to convey him away, was with him in danger of his life, so that he begged most urgently that his life might be spared; for the traitor was most unmercifully pelted with stones by the common people and the children, and ignominiously reproached for his treachery, being called a Judas, rogue, miscreant and arch-heretic. To his great disgrace and reproach they sang of him the following verses, which had been composed by Jacques:

“He said: I had to find you-- Now from my oath I’m free; Submit and let us bind you; To prison go with me.”

And also:

“And is it right your dealing, Before the Lord and men? The time is surely coming When you will doubtless ken,” etc.

God the Lord had also punished him with severe leprosy, with which he was likewise most ignominiously taunted. Whenever they had sang a stanza of said hymn, they would derisively exclaim: “You leprous Judas and treacherous rogue, do you ken it now?” The stones increased the longer the more, so that the boatman who was to convey him away, saw his own life imperiled, and cried out that he had to convey him off by order of the lord. Thus he was driven from Leeuwarden with great disgrace and ignominy, and had to roam about from place to place, an object of scorn and contempt, until he was finally consumed by leprosy, and, like Antioch and Herod, died a terrible and premature death, an example to all his followers. 2 Macc. 9:9; Acts 12:23. The reports among the common people concerning this matter, are of a still much more horrible nature, than the account we have given here.

CONFESSION OF A WOMAN CALLED CLAESKEN, WHO LAID DOWN HER LIFE FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS, A. D. 1559.

_Questions and answers between the commissary and Claesken._

The commissary first interrogated me concerning my name, the place I was from, my age, and other like things. He then asked me: “Are you baptized?” Claesken. “Yes.” _Com._ “Who baptized you?” _Cl._ “Jelis of Aix-la-Chapelle.” _Com._ “The deceiver; he himself has renounced his belief. How did he do when he baptized you?” _Cl._ “He baptized me in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” _Com._ “Where did you receive baptism?” _Cl._ “At Workum, in the field.” _Com._ “Were there others present?” _Cl._ “Yes.” _Com._ “Who were they?” _Cl._ “I have forgotten.” _Com._ “What brought you there?” _Cl._ “I have forgotten.”

I could truthfully give this answer both times.

_Com._ “Are your children not baptized?” _Cl._ “My youngest two are not.” _Com._ “Why did you not have your children baptized?” _Cl._ “Because I was satisfied with them as the Lord had given them to me.” _Com._ “Why were you so satisfied with Abraham and Sicke, and not with Douwe; you had Douwe baptized?” _Cl._ “I did not know it then.” _Com._ “What did you not know then?” _Cl._ “What I know now.” _Com._ “What do you know now?” _Cl._ “What the Lord has given me to know.” _Com._ “What has the Lord given you to know?” _Cl._ “That I cannot find it in the Scriptures, that this ought to be.” _Com._ “How long have you not been to church?” _Cl._ “Not for nine or ten years.”

These are the questions which he put to me; but he used far more words, and when I did not readily answer him, he said that I had a dumb devil in me, that the devil transformed himself into an angel of light in us, and that we were all heretics. He then read to me the articles I had confessed, and said it should come before the lords, and that if I desired it, he would write it differently. I replied: “You need not change anything.”

_Questions and answers between the inquisitor and Claesken._